A visit to Element Fresh always leaves me with the uncomfortable feeling that I've just been ripped off. And the worst kind of rip-off is the one that you saw coming and still chose to walk into. The food is alright, can be pretty good, and even at around RMB 30 for some whisked berries and fruit juice I don't mind splashing out occasionally for a smoothie. But a fairly basic sandwich/salad/main course and drink is likely to add up to around RMB 80, which to me is steep. It's like accepting the inflated price of food in airports or on train journeys because you know you only need to do it once every so often - but this is a city centre cafe/restaurant that I could potentially be going to two or three times a week. If a sandwich and drink here cost me about RMB 50 instead of RMB 70-90, I just might do so.
If you get into having a proper dinner, you're going to be spending RMB 300-400 for two - and I'd say you can get a better meal elsewhere for that money. Best value is the fine American breakfast at around RMB 65 (including a coffee), though you can't be having them too often if you want to keep the arteries clear.
Admittedly, Element Fresh's prices are pretty standard for an average lunch in most newly opened restaurants in Beijing, it's just that in a cafe-style place, I feel there should be a few less expensive options. Other sandwich places offer options averaging RMB 25-35, so why can't Element Fresh? I guess they're able to get away with the higher prices because of the kick they get from all the "it's so healthy and clean and fresh" marketing.
Final complaint - in the evening, it's like having dinner during a power cut. Some people must think that's romantic or something. I think I'd rather see the person I'm having dinner with though. Just to be sure.
To end on a positive note - it seems some people are still complaining about bad experiences, but I think the service has improved since they first opened. Not to say flawless by any means, but the staff are more confident, better with their English, friendly and better organised than before. Last few times I went there, I didn't feel like I waited too long or that there were any huge problems with service. (Just cut the prices a bit, or offer some good deals, and I might become a more regular customer!)
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